The Ultimate Guide to a REVS Check

The REVS check is a crucial step when planning to buy or sell a used car; it is one of the steps you shouldn’t miss. This guide covers everything from what a REVS check is, how it is performed, what it offers and why the REVS check process is important, giving you confidence and protecting you from hidden risks. If you want complete protection from hidden risks, consider Check Vehicle History from Cars24.

What is a REVS check?

REVS check refers to a search against the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) in the state-based registers in Australia. Nowadays, this is replaced by the national database called the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). When you were performing the REVS check, you were checking if the car had been written off, had financial debt or had been reported stolen. 

If you are new to PPSR reports, here’s a detailed blog on “How to Read a PPSR Report”

Why a REVS Check Matters When You Buy a Used Car?

Here are some of the key reasons why doing a REVS check is essential while buying a used car:

• The previous owner may still owe finance on the car..
• The car may have a hidden written-off history, reported stolen, safety issues or odometer tampering.
• A REVS check gives you an edge to negotiate and get a fair price. For an even better deal and factual data, get a car history check.

So before you pay that deposit, make sure you have done the REVS check (now PPSR check) or buy a Vehicle History Check from Cars24, which includes a PPSR report. 

What Does a Typical REVS Check Tell You?

When you run a REVS check (now PPSR), here’s what you can expect:

• Whether a security interest or encumbrance is registered on the vehicle or not.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration number, make, model and year.
• Write-off status and stolen vehicle status.

Whereas if you choose Check Vehicle History from Cars24, your car history check will include:

• Financial Encumbrance Check
• Stolen Vehicle Check
• Recall Check
• Written off Check
• Registration Check
• PPSR Report
• Vehicle Valuation
• Market Demand

Therefore, the REVS or PPSR report provides the legal background of the car but if you want more than basic information, replace it with a car history check report to get the complete story of the car.

How To Check a Used Car?

Here’s a smart process to follow when you are looking for a used car in Australia:

1. Get the VIN or registration details

You will need the VIN or REGO number to perform a REVS/PPSR check. Without this, you won’t be able to fetch information about the respective car.

2. Run the REVS check (now PPSR)

Use the official PPSR website to get the REVS check certificate (now PPSR report).

3. Review results carefully

If you see any encumbrance, written-off or stolen records, you can resolve issues beforehand and clarify all the red flags with the seller.

4. Get a car history report

Post REVS/PPSR report, you should get a car history check report to explore all the issues and market demand of the car. Getting a report from a reliable resource is a must; you choose Cars24’s Check Vehicle History.

5. Inspect the car physically and test drive

If you are satisfied with the paperwork and reports, time to test drive and physically inspect the interiors and under the hood.

6. Verify the seller and make a payment

Make sure the seller is legitimate and the documents are up to date before handing over the payment.

These steps will help in getting a fair deal on your used car. If you want to skip this hassle altogether, you can also visit www.cars24.au for buying, selling and trading in used cars. Our services are online, and Cars24-certified cars come with a three-month warranty and a seven-day return policy.

REVS Check in Australia: What You Need to Know

• The REVS check was an old state-based Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) system, but now all registers are closed and replaced with PPSR for data.
• The official source for vehicle security and encumbrance status is the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). Visit www.ppsr.gov.au to get accurate data.
• Although the PPSR/REVS check is important but it doesn’t cover everything. It’s not a substitute for a car history check. 

FAQs

1. What if the REVS check comes up clear?

Ans- This can be seen as a good sign. It means there are no registered encumbrances or money owing on the vehicle. Post this, you will still need a car history check for full confidence.

2. What if the REVS check shows a finance owing?

Ans- It can be seen as a red flag, but not as a dead deal. Discuss with the seller, and if it’s cleared, ask for the loan discharge documents. You need to be sure of settling before making payment, or you take up ownership.

3. Is the REVS check free?

Ans- No, there is a fee for an official PPSR certificate, but you can obtain it for free with Cars24’s Check Vehicle History.

4. Does a REVS check tell the accident history of the car?

Ans- Not completely, some data sources include write off and stolen status, but detailed accident repairs or structural damage. 

Conclusion

Doing a REVS check is one of the most important safeguards one can adopt while buying a used car. Whether it’s hidden finance, write-offs and stolen vehicle risks, you get all the information on legality. The best way is to get a car history check because this covers the Financial Encumbrance Check, Stolen Vehicle Check, Recall Check, Written off Check, Registration Check, Vehicle Valuation, Market Demand and even a PPSR report/REVS check.